Adrian Volenik
I first heard of DINKs a couple of years ago. If you don’t know what DINKs are, they’re basically a couple with no kids who earn two incomes. Hence, DINK is an acronym for dual income, no kids.
Nothing wild, right? They were always around, but they didn’t have a catchy acronym.
Then there are many people who aren’t in a relationship. They’re single, and they don’t have any kids.
But both SINKs and DINKs have something else in common besides having an income and not having kids.
They often create useful habits that help them develop a fulfilling and meaningful life that matches their values and desires.
So, without delay, let’s discover what these habits are.
1) They’re into learning new stuff
Learning new stuff keeps life interesting and helps you grow as a person. That’s why people who don’t regret being childfree later in life are big on self-improvement.
They’re always expanding their horizons and picking up new skills or knowledge.
From learning how to cook a new recipe, diving into a book on a topic they’ve never explored before, or trying out a hobby they’ve always been curious about, they’re enthusiastic about learning and growing.
They’re basically constantly on the lookout for opportunities to challenge themselves and discover something new.
And learning isn’t just a task for them. It’s an exciting adventure that keeps life enjoyable and fulfilling.
2) They’re all about having solid connections
For them, relationships are like the glue that holds life together, not kids. They value strong bonds with the people who matter most to them – their closest friends, cherished family members, or SO.
And look, having a lot of friends or acquaintances is great. You’re never bored as someone is always up to something.
But people who don’t regret not having kids try to build deep, meaningful connections built on trust, understanding, and support.
3) They love going places and seeing new things
You know, I’ve met some DINKs, and their favorite pastime was almost always traveling. They simply love exploring new places and soaking up fresh experiences.
Because they thrive on adventure and discovery, they’re often jetting off to a far-flung destination, hitting the road for a spontaneous road trip, or simply checking out cool spots in their own city.
These people have a constant itch to see what’s out there beyond their usual surroundings.
4) They have things they love to do for fun
When you don’t have kids, you have plenty of time for hobbies and other fun activities. And that’s obviously a plus, as these experiences are incredibly fulfilling.
And these people naturally get that, right? They’ve got hobbies that light up their lives and make them feel alive.
These are the things that make their hearts sing and bring joy to their days.
For most people, hobbies are just something to pass the time. But for childfree people, they’re like little pockets of happiness that they can dip into whenever they need a pick-me-up.
5) They’re focused on doing well in their jobs
Climbing the corporate ladder, hustling as freelancers, or running their own businesses, they’re laser-focused on success.
They’re not just punching the clock and collecting a paycheck. On the contrary, they’re pouring their heart and soul into what they do, setting goals and crushing them like bosses.
They’re driven by the thrill of achievement and the satisfaction of knowing they’re making moves in their careers.
They also have more time to do so if they choose, as they don’t have to worry that they’re neglecting their kids by burning the midnight oil.
6) They make sure to take care of themselves
Yes, unlike many parents, childfree people make sure to take care of themselves through exercise, relaxation, or just doing things that make them happy.
And that’s pretty ironic, isn’t it? As a parent, you have one, two, or three plus people depending on you and on your health. If you keel over, they could be in real trouble financially.
Yet, you either lack time or energy to exercise, watch what you eat, or try to live stress-free.
On the flip side, childfree people are all about looking out for number one and making sure they’re feeling good in body, mind, and soul.
7) They like helping out others
Being childfree doesn’t mean you aren’t taking care of other people. Many have parents, siblings, and friends, but also complete strangers they’re trying to help.
That’s why you often see them volunteering at a local shelter, helping a neighbor move, or just being there for a friend in need.
They don’t do it for recognition or praise but to make the world a little brighter and to show that they care. Of course, they also get fulfillment out of it.
8) They enjoy being able to do what they want when they want
When I think of not having kids, honestly, I think of freedom. Freedom to live life completely on your own terms.
And naturally, they love the freedom that comes with being able to call the shots and live life to the fullest.
They love having the flexibility to do whatever they please, whenever they please. From taking a spontaneous road trip, staying out late with friends, or binge-watching their favorite TV show in their PJs, they relish the ability to march to the beat of their own drum.
But they also do this:
9) They’re smart with their money, saving up for the future
Being savvy with their cash and planning ahead for whatever life throws their way is a must for them.
But saving money doesn’t mean they’re pinching pennies and skipping the fancy coffees (though they might do that too!). They’re intentional with their spending and setting aside a little something for a rainy day.
Many of them are proponents of the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement, which encourages people to save and invest as much money as they can to retire early.
Above all, they know that financial stability is key to living their best life, and they’re building a solid foundation for their future, one dollar at a time!
10) They find joy in taking care of pets or even tending to plants
Although some people hate comparing pets to kids, I’m not one of them, even though I have a son myself.
I also have two cats who are 13 and 15 years old, and I love them to death. I treat them just like one of my kids and take care of them the best I can.
In turn, they love me more than I could have ever imagined and are cuddled beside me as I’m writing this.
For people who don’t regret being childfree, pets and plants aren’t just decorations. They’re companions that bring joy and fulfillment to their lives.
They also find happiness, contentment, and fulfillment in the simple act of caring for another living being.
11) They take time to relax and clear their minds
As a parent, I don’t have much time to relax. From the time I wake up at 6 a.m. to the time we go to bed at 10, there’s constantly something happening.
But when you don’t have kids, you often have more moments of peace and tranquility in the midst of life’s hustle and bustle.
In fact, these folks make it a priority to unwind and clear their minds. And I’m not talking about zoning out in front of the TV (though that’s nice, too!).
I’m talking about creating space for reflection, relaxation, and rejuvenation.
12) They’re finding ways to make a difference in the world
And lastly, many childfree people still want to leave their mark and make the world a better place. And they do it one small act of kindness at a time.
They’re not about to change the whole world overnight (though they wouldn’t say no to that!). But they do find ways to contribute in their own unique way, whether big or small.
They believe that every little bit counts, and they’re not afraid to roll up their sleeves and do their part to make a difference.
